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How to Save Money on Utilities for Your Virginia Apartment

February 6, 2017

If you live in an apartment, you may be responsible for paying some of the utilities. If you don’t keep an eye on this expense, you may find yourself paying hundreds of dollars each month for water, gas, and electric. In order to reduce these expenses, there are a few things you can do.

1. Find a Comfortable Temperature

Many people set the temperature in the Virginia apartment so that it’s hot in the winter and cold in the summer. Unfortunately, most apartments don’t come with electronic programmable thermostats, that means you have to keep an eye on the temperature.

Your goal should be to have a home that’s comfortable, not too hot or too cold. For most people that would be somewhere between 77 and 83 degrees Fahrenheit. Find a temperature that works best for you and leave it there.

2. Change Your Bulbs

Apartment owners usually purchase light bulbs in bulk. They buy the cheapest bulbs they can to put in the apartment. Switch out the standard bulbs in the apartment with LED or CFL bulbs.

These bulbs don’t just reduce the cost of electricity. They also last a long time. Some of these bulbs can last for years, so don’t be scared off by the initial cost. If you can’t afford to replace all of the bulbs in your apartment, start by doing one room each week.

3. Watch Your Water

Water may be a major expense if you don’t watch your use. If you’re running your dishwasher multiple times per day, taking 20-minute showers every day, and ignoring the dripping faucet in your kitchen, then you’re likely to be spending more money on water than necessary.

With water, you need to look at how you use it. You can save money by reducing the amount of water you use. You can do this by turning off the faucet when you’re not using it, taking shorter showers, and checking your sinks for leaks, and when you see a problem with your apartment unit’s plumbing get it fixed immediately.

You Can Save Money on Your Utilities

By following these tips, you can save money on your utilities. The amount you save will depend on how much money you currently spend, the size of your Virginia apartment, and which steps you’re taking to reduce your utility costs. Even if you only follow one tip, you’re sure to save some money over the term of your lease.